Our Prenup with "Marco Malaca"... =)

Our supposed Tagaytay Prenup is no more..... or should I say, an idea left to be just thought of as something beautiful, had it not been canceled for good. I decided to forego the prenup after getting all fed up with the arrangements and the lousy schedules which were never really met.

But enough with that bad experience, our prenup with Marco Malaca still pushed through despite the Tagaytay cancellation... We opted to do our pictorials at Fernbrook Gardens, though we've done a few prenups there before (courtesy of W@W), Marco and his team were able to take gorgeous shots of us ~ different from our previous pictures...

We've also had a few shots at the SkyLounge which, I may say, had a spectacular view from above... It was amazing... Funny coz I never got to finish the Cosmopolitan I ordered. Afterwards, Leih and me together with Marco, Jho and Gerard had dinner at a Japanese Resto (forgot the name) in Alabang. I even got to chat with the only girl in the team (Jho).. It was fun. Leih and I had a great time with these guys, it was kinda humid but we felt comfortable as if we were just playing.

BTW, here are some of the unedited shots that Marco sent us via courier. =)\

Save-The-Date & Name Cards... CHECK!!

From the start, I've already resolved the idea that we won't probably be having a "Save-the-Date Card," since I have no idea how to make one in Photoshop. But thanks to W@W and my god-sent w@wie sister Mela, (Carmela Harder), we are finally printing our very own tomorrow!!!


Yes! I am proud to present Mela's very own design of our "Save-The-Date Card"... Just like our table numbers and name cards which she also designed herself, all three were inspired by our fairytale theme and color.
The table numbers and name cards have already been printed two days ago. We'll be printing our "Save-The-Date Cards" next. =)

Again, thanks so much to you sis Mela for helping me out on these... I wouldn't have such beautiful cards if not for you... You are an angel...

Our Wedding Invitations..

Our invitations are finally here!!!!!!!! Leih and I went to Recto to fetch our 150 pieces of "invites" from Printlane. After only a week and a half, they finished our invites as scheduled. Our design was a simple and formal one - no flowers and other drawings. We kept it low-profile yet elegant to the eyes. The fonts were dry embossed in lavender shade. The paper for the invite and the envelope was colored off-white and had a metallic effect on it. It had a purple insert as well.


Leih was just as pleased. Since he was heading to work, he wanted to put the invites inside the car up until he gets home, but because I was so excited to show it to Mommy, I had him drop me off at MOA and brought the invites myself. I commuted with a big heavy plastic bag filled with two bags of invites (talk about OC) No complaint here whatsoever. I"m just ecstatic. Now that we have the invites, it's time for us to start on the wax seals. More DIY tasks ahead!! I love it! =)

Our Give-Away Wines

don't be deceived, that bag is of deep purple

Our wines arrived this afternoon just before Leih and I headed to Manila to fetch our invitations. It was a box filled with 14 bottles and 14 deep purple sinamay bags. I was hoping it would be of lavender color but then, purple goes just as fine. I need to put some additional embellishments to beautify the give-away. Just don't know what to do yet... =) Looks like another DIY project ahead.

The Little Girls Get Ther Turn

At 10:00 o'clock this morning, my little girls and I met up at Sherwin Sosa's shop to have their measurements taken. Of course, the proud parents were present while their little girls had their turn.

First in line was my bestfriend Jerrielyn's beautiful daughter, Issy.... I can't help but smile just looking at how these love-struck couple (Joel & Jeh) stared at Issy while Sherwin worked on the little girl. She was so angelic... I swear...

our angelic little Issy...

that's her hot momma at the back.. di lang kita..

Second was my inaanak Shaniah whom I personally fetched from their place. Everyone in the house was so excited for her. Though she had an "early morning tantrum," I was able to put her in a light mood after she learned she was getting a princess dress. Leih and I treated her to ice cream afterwards.

Shania and me on our way to Jollibee..

My third flower girl who last came in was Gab. She together with my cousin Beegel and Ichie came to the shop. It was even funny coz Gab wasn't in the mood yet probably because she had an interrupted nap but with Beegel's help, we were able to get her measurements right.

My only junior bridesmaid, Min-Min, was in Bulacan so I had my cousin take her measurements himself and just called in to give us the numbers. After the short meet-up, Leih and I felt relieved as we are down with another major task... The gowns will be finished on the second week of November... just in time.. =)

Our DIY-Candle Holders

For days I've exhausted myself on how to improve the ambiance of our reception within a budget we can afford. So I thought of incorporating tea light candles everywhere. After purchasing the candles, I decided to improvise on the candle holders since those we saw at the mall were quite expensive. Off I went to this small craft store near the church and carefully chose the materials I could make use of. The store is literally filled with crafting tools and handwoven materials, all sorts of ribbons, flowerettes, little figurines and a lot more, first time I came in here, I thought it was heaven.. There was too much ideas flooding my head... After getting what I need, I started experimenting on my materials, mainly: a white handcrafted saucer, purple holed- foils for the cover, lilac and lavender tea light candles, lavender feathers, pink flowers and a glue gun.

getting started with my project

After two days of DIY-ing and two burnt fingers, I've completed an estimated one-fourth of the whole project. I'm proud to say that this DIY idea is all mine. =) Since we are following a certain colored theme, I decided to incorporate our color in all my DIY's.

Leih busy cutting the pink flowers.

Leih dropped by the house before heading home. After a short dinner, he offered to help me with our DIY project by cutting the flowers and gluing the holders. Again, he was with me, helping me with our DIY project. Good thing he liked what I did... It was awesome just staring at the final outcome, literally the fruits of my labor....

halfway done...

I'm planning to put these on our tables to provide more dramatic touch to the area. I so love the result...

50 more pieces to go!!! wait till you light them up!

The Candles & the Tiaras...

I've already envisioned how my little girls would look like once they strut down the aisle. They'd be donning lavender chiffon ball gowns and a flower halo on the head. But after spotting these cute and gorgeous princess-fairy tiaras, that idea disappeared like a bubble.




I bought 3 similar Princess-Fairy tiaras with deep lavender feathers and fake diamond-like stones around it, for my three cute flowergirls, and a deep purple/plum stoned tiara for my junior bridesmaid.



We also purchased 72 pieces of scented tealight candles colored lavender and a darker shade of lilac. The all smelled divine, all that's missing are the candle holders. I already have an idea of how to make my DIY candle holders.

It feels so great just arranging them on the bed for some creative shots. =)

Half-Way Done With The Church Requirements!

"September 9, 2009. Our first time to visit Holy Family Parish in BF Homes, Almanza... The church was quite spacious and well-maintained, Leih and I offered a simple prayer and made a wish before we headed home.

We submitted our documents for the wedding and we were told that the secretary herself will take responsibility in advising us most probably on the first week of October, regarding the scheduled canonical interview and the marriage banns which will be announced in our own parishes for three consecutive weeks. After accomplishing those, we are good to go. =)

It feels great knowing we've done a lot so far. These early preparations calm our nerves, makes us feel we're on top of things.

The Marriage License

We finally got our marriage license today!!! Yey!!!! After 11 days, our wait is now over... =)
We'll be bringing this tomorrow at the Holy Family Parish in BF Homes along with the other documents we need to get the process started.


It's really getting nearer and nearer each day! Sooo exciting!

My Matron of Honor's Final Fitting....

Finally, we're done with the gown fittings!!!!! The last girl on my ento- list which happens to be my pretty cousin Beegel, had her gown fitted this morning. It looked perfect on her and her fair skin tone which I may comment on, seemed to radiate even more since lavender and purple gave off a wonderful contrast. In fairness, Beegel has maintained her figure even after having Gab. Too much for a blessing I may say, but these two cousins of mine (Bibsy & Beegel) were both gifted with bodies that detest fat. (wishing I shared the same DNA) LOL.

Beegel being assisted in her gown.

Beegel's gorgeous silhouette..

the term GORGEOUS applies to my family...

and Bibsy here just had a baby, can u believe that?... so unfair.. huhuhu

My cousin Bibsy who also happens to be a very in-demand designer herself, helped us at the fitting. She was in fact my first choice then, but unfortunately for me, she got a job abroad and only returned home for a short vacation. It was a fun-filled Monday for us three who kept ourselves busy taking pictures even inside the car. We even dropped by MOA on our way home to run some errands. THe hours I spent with these two gals was truly a reliever...

me and my pretty Matron of Honor, Beegel...


having fun while on our way home...


we even missed a turn just to have this pic. hahaha.

Got me thinking, we should do this more often. I suddenly missed these two misses.. =)

Meet My New Shoes....

We were about to go home when we walked past VNC and this "instinctive" urge convinced us to get inside the store and just ogle at the shoes... After all, what's so bad about ogling, right?

But then this pair of sandals caught my attention as I practically heard them screaming, "Ayha!!! I'm your destiny!!! Buy me, buy me, buy meeeee!!!"..... I said to myself, "Okay, okay, sheeesh, no need to shout! I can hear you loud and clear, you know?"

my VNC sandals...

After all, who am I to resist this desperate plea from a pair of footwear??? I'm just human... More so, I'm just a woman... (not so long after, went home with a paper bag in her hand and a big big smile)

Need to say more??? (^_^)

My Cord Sponsor's First Fitting...

Since my cousin Joan was busy at work on our first scheduled fitting, we finally got to squeeze in a little time for her today, thank goodness it's her day-off... Leih was at work so he wasn't able to drive us to Sta. Mesa. Joan and I took a cab on our way there. Though it was difficult commuting because of the heat, the sacrifice was well worth it...

Joan having her adjustments done by the staff

her 24-inch waistline... kainggit kaya!!

just look at her silhouette... that's what I call sexy..

I was so fascinated as I watched my beautiful cousin fit her gown for the first time... She looked fantabulous. Since Joan is 5'7 and has a very long slim silhouette like that of a model's, with slender flawless arms and a lovely face, her gown looked just perfect on her, given that she was only in a casual mode and her hair wasn't even dressed yet for the part. Edward Teng even noticed how good she looked as he passed by when her gown was being adjusted by the staff. I only have praises for Edward Teng and his staff for this wonderful job.

Now, I have only one more girl to go (our Matron of Honor) and we're done with the fitting... Thank God for this wonderful day. =)

Marriage License Kwento

It was a breeze applying for a marriage license. We've started with the required documents as early as I can remember. Being a government employee myself, I knew a few people at the Local Civil Registrar in our place and they were the ones who attended to us when we applied. Ate Shirley didn't even let us pay the fee anymore, (an early wedding gift). They were kinda teasing us the whole time. It was a happy day for Leih and I. I've been through this process a couple of times with a few brides I've helped coordinate in the past, but it never fails to put a smile on my face. Makes us feel we're on top of things. Every detail is being prepared in advance.

some of the documents we submitted

The license is due on September 6, next Monday... After that, off we go to Holy Parish for our church requirements... We want to settle the banns as early as we can so we won't be pressured come November. =)

Gosh, the "BER" months are coming in a few days!!! December is fast approaching!!!! Weeeeee!!!!

Meeting the Barong Maker...

My male entou had their fitting today with Mang Rey Casedo at our office. It was a lazy rainy Sunday but everyone was present. Leih's father was there, his uncle, cousin and even his sister's family. They all took turns in getting their measurements taken and had their pick of what design they preferred. I chose my dad's barong design and I'm so excited...


Mang Rey and his companion were sooo nice to us. We're very at ease with him. He brought with him more than 20 designs of barongs and it was difficult to discern which one is better. Lahat intricately designed... =)


We'll be getting the barongs on the first week of October!!! I'm soooo looking forward to it.. =)

Wedding Ice Breaker: Prepping Up My Kitchen..

The past three weeks have been so busy for us at home especially for mommy. Plates and pans were everywhere as we had our kitchen totally renovated. Leih and I chose the granite tiles ourselves up to the sink, the faucet and the stainless steel dividers for the cabinets. And after a few weeks of waiting, I was finally able to use the kitchen for the first time. Me being kinda OC., I excitedly started arranging all our groceries, dinnerwares and kitchen utensils and made sure everything was spic and span from the time I finished cleaning...

so excited to arrange the groceries.....

It took me more than an hour to have it done but it was worth it... I love the new look of our kitchen.. I myself love to cook, so having an efficient kitchen gives me and Leih an advantage, ~ Leih being a baker himself. ( He loves to bake all kinds of breads and pastries...)

half side of our kitchen

I'm sure we'll both have good times in the kitchen. I just love how clean and organized our new kitchen looks like now... Makes me want to cook the whole day... =)

First Draft of Our Invite

At last, we've submitted our first lay-out design for our invites at Print Lane.. We chose a very simple design with dry - embossed letters, no drawings whatsoever.
Early this morning, I got an email from Ms. Au regarding our first draft. The letters will be in lavender... no fancy designs whatsoever, it will be as simple as it can be... Here's a preview of the format.. =)

The La Luz Beach Pictorial

After only three days, Mr. Eros Astillero sent the raw pics in a cd!! Gosh, the pictures were soooo amazing.. Leih and I are just so happy with how the results came out.. They were oh so perfect, very much what we wanted to look like... Here is a preview of the shoot at La Luz Resort, Batangas.... I can't seem to get enough of the pictures.. We have over a hundred to choose from!

Preparing For Our "Beachy Shoot"....

Leih and I went to Landmark to find myself a good pair of slippers but ended up buying white sandals instead, while he got a long sleeved polo shirt. I also bought Eric Santos' new Songbook by Jim Brickman album and played it nonstop in the car. Leih held his patience as I put the volume on a 9. It was funny seeing this "rakista" making "tiis" as I turned cuckoo with his radio.

Now, my outfit's complete. I just hope I don't look stupid tomorrow. Later I'll be printing out the directions for Leih and will be browsing on other beach pictorials to get a few ideas on what to do at the shoot.

I just wish it doesn't rain tomorrow. La Luz, here we come... =)

My Girls' First Fitting....

Three of my girls finally had their first fitting this afternoon. It was an overwhelming sight for me, seeing all of the gowns after a few months of anticipation. Two of my entourage weren't able to make it because of work but are scheduled to have their turns in the next two weeks.

aren't they just beautiful or what???

my flawless bridesmaid Arni in her sexy V-neck evening gown

two of my girls in their evening gowns..

The colors were just perfect... I noticed how intricately they designed the beadworks and the floral adornments. Every gown had its own unique personality. I had no favorite as I loved them all.

my matron of honor's evening gown

I also took a peek at my bridal gown. It was already inside a big box ~ ready for dry cleaning... It was so lovely, just the way I envisioned it would be ~ a simple Victorian-inspired ball gown that any dreamy princess would want to wear.. I was so ecstatic.

Leih and I went home very gratified. Every cent we spent was worth it. Edward Teng is so good... I wouldn't trade this designer for anybody else.. We definitely made the right decision...

A Romantic Pictorial at La Luz

We're all set on Monday for our prenup pictorial with Eros Astillero's team at La Luz Beach Resort in San Juan Batangas. After the tiring search for "the place," I stumbled upon this resort's website and completely got blown away with the beauty it promises. So I called their office early in the morning and booked 4 heads for a prenup shoot. I'm full of hope that we will have clear skies on Monday... Everything's been settled and paid for. We've requested for Jernin and Alliz Astillero, sons of Eros, to be our photographers for that day.

Upon seeing my good friend Marion's prenup pictures at Punta Fuego, I instantly fell in love with the beach theme and how the young Astillero's executed the shots. They were so unbelievably good given their young age.

I've already prepared my white string dress while Leih still has to get a new shirt. Hopefully, it all turns out good afterwards.. I'll keep my fingers crossed...

My Dream Purple Stilletos

I was completely blown away when I saw these shoes at SM. It was so elegant and lovely, you'd notice it from afar. It was of deep plum/violet color, with overlapping silk ribbons and four-inch heels.

the dream that will remain as is..

First time I saw them, I knew this was "THE" shoes.... But to my dismay, I realized I couldn't walk in it without tripping~ the heels are just too much for me and Leihson. You see, my fiance isn't a very tall man,so wearing stilletos like this would undoubtedly make me an inch taller than him, should I indulge.

He knew very well how much I loved the shoes and even nudged me to buy it, aware that I won't probably stop rambling if I let the chance pass me by.. Yet I managed to keep my self control and decided to forego buying it. I've lots of reasons actually. There is no way that I can walk in these stilletos without embarrassing myself.. And again, it will just make my partner look less taller once I'm in these pair.

In short, I didn't buy the shoes. But I haven't lost hope yet. I'm currently on the look-out for people who customize bridal shoes,. If I find one who can make me these, the better.. But if luck evades me, my two other bridal shoes on stand by would do just fine..

Oh well, that's women and their shoes.... ^-^

Paper works...

I've been a little busy with work lately but I still manage to tend to the small details of our wedding. Just last week, our principal sponsors confirmed, and I added a junior bridesmaid to the entourage list. I included my god-daughter Jhemalin in the flower girls' list at first, but since I'm already done with the 3 tin baskets (it's impossible to make another one), I decided to just make her a junior bridesmaid (she being the tallest among the girls).

Tomorrow, we'll be starting on the papers and hopefully by the end of the week, we're done applying for the marriage license. The Local Civil Registrar said it would take 11 days for the license to come out. And off we go to Holy Family Parish afterwards to submit the other requirements together with the license.

I can feel the excitement building up!!! 3 more months to go!!!

Wedding Ice Breaker: Zach Cozying Up....

I was planning to watch Harry Potter today but because the heavy rains haven't ceased, I decided to just stay at home and tend to my Multiply site as it needed a lot of updating.

I didn't notice how long I stayed in front of my laptop that I forgot to tend to my baby doggie, Zach. Whenever I'm home, I would find time to play and cuddle with him. I must have forgotten about Zach coz I got busy making blogs all day...I just realized he climbed up to my bed and snuggled himself soundly on one of my fluffy pillows. He must have been so cozy he didn't notice I was taking pictures of him..

Here he is.... =)

Attaining That Flawless Complexion...

Since I thought we'd be having our prenups, I decided to have a facial yesterday. I felt so flattered when my dermatologist commented on my skin, she even asked me what regimen I follow to maintain good skin elasticity. Don't get me wrong, I don't have perfect skin, once in a while I worry about a zit or two especially since I have very fine skin you can almost see thru it, not to add I have skin asthma... (kita na yong mga tiny veins as in) but one thing noticeable was it improved tremendously as I rarely get breakout nowadays.. It got me thinking, could it be genes? A possibility perhaps.. But I'm thinking there's a more valid reason for the improvement... The fact that I don't wear make up contributes a lot to why my skin doesn't break out as much, I presume.. And how I keep it always clean and moisturized may count as one effective factor. Just like any other girl, I have naturally oily skin, but as what my derma says, it's far off better than having dry skin... All we need to do is keep it well-maintained and we're good..


When I started my routine a year ago, my skin has showed vast improvement. I make it a habit to religiously drink Carrot & Cucumber juice in the morning, and one full glass of freshly-squeezed Orange juice at lunch. This intake of Vitamin C not only made my skin notcieably smoother & healthier, it also helped boost my immune system. By far, I believe there's nothing better than the natural way...

Oh well, I'm starting to ramble again... Just wanted to share a few secrets to help other friends longing to have skin they could very well be proud of. To think we may hit two birds with one stone, you've got nothing to lose if you try, right?

My Postponed Tagaytay Prenup

I feel a little frustrated on how our supposed "Prenup" today got moved to August 2 because of the unpredictable weather.. Leih and I have been to different places the past weeks looking for a venue for our Prenup with Marco. And just as we were about to book Nurture Spa, sudden thoughts of Tagaytay Highlands came over me, I started imagining the cable cars, the magnificent landscapes and the sumptuous food they serve there.... Hence, Tagaytay Highlands it is!!!!

The well-known Tagaytay Highlands

Good thing I was able to get someone to endorse us though honestly, I feel we went kinda overboard with the budget considering we had to shoulder four heads including Marco and his assistant. Seems like God's will that they were able to squeeze in four more people in the reservation list. I was feeling a little stingy but then Leihson ~ my ever so galant partner, was again attentive enough to salvage my building guilt and gave me the approving look and the thumbs up as soon as we paid my endorser in full.

my five different outfits for our prenup...

Everything is all set. Leih even purchased two more long sleeved outfits and I got four new ones, mostly of color purple to suit our motif. (talk about excited). My four pairs of shoes are all packed and I even got a new lipstick and face powder since I'm not hiring a make up artist. I'm going for the natural look, good luck to me... (haha)

Now, all we have to do is wait for two more weeks and hopefully, just hopefully, this weather finally cooperates.. Two weeks seem like years to me... For now, I may just have to learn to be more patient... (if only I can buy patience... dang..)